Voices of Deakin
From our community, for our community
Voices of Deakin is a community-led group of local residents putting people back at the heart of democracy.
We believe democracy works best when local voices are heard and representatives act with integrity, free from party politics, donors, and lobbyists.
We listen to our community, to understand local values and priorities, so we can provide a values-aligned independent choice for voters at federal and state elections.
What matters most in our community?
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, as the Traditional Owners of the land we live and work on in the Deakin electorate.
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We recognise their enduring, continued connection to land, sea, sky and community, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to the courage, wisdom and resilience of Elders past, present and emerging.
The Big Community Conversation
Many people across Melbourne’s outer east feel that decisions are made without ordinary communities being properly heard.
Hosted by Jess Ness, the Big Community Conversation is an opportunity for locals from different backgrounds and perspectives to come together for a respectful conversation about:
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the future we want for our community
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what’s working and what isn’t
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how everyday people can have more influence over the decisions that affect their lives.
Joining the conversation to share their expertise and insight will be:
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Zoe Daniel (author, former MP and former journalist)
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Paul McDonald (Anglicare Victoria CEO)
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Denis Moriarty (Our Community MD)
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Melissa Lowe (recently challenged Victoria's electoral funding laws in the High Court and won).
This is your chance to engage directly with highly respected leaders, ask questions, and be part of the conversation through a panel discussion, activities such as 'Dotmocracy' and audience Q&A. Includes afternoon tea, free raffle ticket and the bar will be open with drinks available at club prices.
You don’t need to agree with everyone in the room – in fact, the more different experiences and perspectives we bring, the stronger the conversation will be. The focus is on listening, sharing ideas, and finding common ground.
If you live in Melbourne's outer east you belong in this conversation!
Listening to the community
The success of the 'Voices' movement has shown democracy can be done differently – and done better!
Part of the Community Independents Project, we look to identify values-aligned, community-backed independent candidates in the federal electorate of Deakin and the state districts of Croydon and Ringwood.
We do this by listening. Through surveys, community conversations, and talking with the community at events and around the electorate, we are engaging with people across Deakin to understand their priorities, concerns and hopes for the future.​
The direction we take is grounded in what matters most to our community.
Voices of Deakin Surveys
To help us better understand the shared values of Deakin residents, please complete our survey.
Community Conversations
Register to attend one of our Community Conversations, or better yet host one!. You will get to meet some locals, chat over refreshments and have some fun!
Events
Check-in from time-to-time to see what's planned or sign up to be kept updated.